WS Chronicle

Actor/director Ed Burns will deliver the keynote address at the 6th annual Reynolda Film Festival, which will be held April 1–5 on Wake Forest University’s Reynolda campus.

The festival features a blend of entertainment, education and competition to promote the art of filmmaking and challenge and inspire rising filmmakers. The festival is organized and led completely by Wake Forest students and is sponsored by WAKE TV, the University’s student-run television station.

Burns will speak Tuesday, April 2 in Brendle Recital Hall from 7–8 p.m. Famous for making successful Hollywood films on a low budget, Burns’ acting credits include “Saving Private Ryan” and “One Missed Call.”  He received critical acclaim for his directing debut, “Brothers McMullen.”  He will discuss his latest projects as well as the importance of low budget filmmaking.

Curt Beech

On April 1, Wake Forest graduate Curt Beech will speak in Annenberg Forum at 7 p.m. about his work as a production designer and art director for some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. Most recently, Beech served as the art director for Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln.”  In addition, he made the 1960s come to life in the Academy Award winning film, “The Help.” He is currently working on “The Coup” starring Owen Wilson and Pierce Brosnan. Josh Olson will also speak (on April 3 from 5–6 p.m. in Annenberg Forum). He received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for “A History of Violence.”

Four feature films will be screened over the five-day event. Additionally, 38 films have been submitted thus far for the student film competition. Submissions were received from as far away as China. Three films in each of four categories, narrative, animation, experimental and documentary, will be shown as part of the competition.

Find a complete schedule of events at www.reynoldafilmfestival.com. All events are free and open to the public.